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US 6,581,992 B1Granted
Truck mounted crash attenuator
AssigneeTraffix Devices, Inc.
InventorDavid C. Gertz
Life of this patent
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AssigneeTraffix Devices, Inc.
InventorDavid C. Gertz
Estimating the term…
A tuck mounted attenuator (TMA) is constructed to minimize length during use in a horizontal position and height in a vertical transport position, as well as to minimize wind resistance and buffeting at highway speeds. A modular construction is employed, so that only damaged portions of the TMA can be removed and replaced in the field after a vehicle impact The TMA comprises a plurality of outwardly curved tubular structural members which are designed to buckle upon application to the TMA of forces resulting from vehicular impact. The rigid tubes buckle at a high initial force, then proceed to crush at a lower force once the sides have buckled outwardly sufficiently to protect vehicle occupants during the critical first two feet of travel after impact. This design also provides increased protection for errant vehicles which impact the TMA device from an angle (i.e. “coffin corner” impact).
A crash impact attenuator attachable to a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising:
A crash attenuator for deployment on a vehicle such as a truck, comprising:
A crash attenuator for deployment on a vehicle such as a truck, comprising at least four outwardly curved structural members, first and second ones of said structural members being disposed in vertically spaced relation along one side of said crash attenuator and third and fourth ones of said structural members being disposed in vertically spaced relation along an opposing side of said crash attenuator, wherein said crash attenuator has an open construction, such that said structural members together define significant open regions therebetween in order to reduce wind resistance when portions of said crash attenuator are in an upright non-operational orientation for transport, and each of said structural members comprises a single, unitary tube extending from a first location to a second location on said crash attenuator.
A crash attenuator for deployment on a vehicle such as a truck, comprising a structure having at least four outwardly bowed tubular structural members, first and second ones of said structural members being disposed in vertically spaced relation along one side of said crash attenuator and third and fourth ones of said structural members being disposed in vertically spaced relation along an opposing side of said crash attenuator, wherein said structure has an open construction, such that more than half of an area defined by said structural members is open in order to reduce wind resistance when portions of said crash attenuator are in an upright non-operational orientation for transport.
A crash impact attenuator for deployment on a vehicle such as a truck, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.